Two top officials of a Boston laborers' union yesterday were charged in US District Court with failing to pay $120,000 into their own employees' health and pension benefits fund.

Joseph P. Mandarini, a sergeant-at-arms at Laborers' International Union Local 22, and his father, Louis A. Mandarini Sr., business manager and chairman of the board, were also charged with making false statements in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and failing to file financial disclosure documents.

Joseph Mandarini, 39, of Medford, and Louis Mandarini Sr., 69, of Peabody, both have unlisted telephone numbers and could not be reached for comment last night.

US Attorney Donald K. Stern said charges were filed in connection with an ongoing probe of possible health and pension benefits fraud. He said the Mandarinis, owners of MJM Asbestos Abatement Inc., falsely claimed they did not have the funds to pay into a pension, health, and welfare fund established for their workers, who are also members of Local 22.

According to legal documents, attorneys for the two men haveasked the court to consider plea agreements requiring that full restitution be made by April 25.

Joseph Mandarini faces five years in prison and dismissal from his union position. Louis Mandarini Sr. could receive up to a year in prison, Stern said.